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Best Buddies - Does History repeat itself? - Part 16

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.




The night was over, but the after happenings or actually after shocks of the day had not actually even begun. The mom’s debate was somewhat just like the trailer.

Early morning I was totally blasted off by the accounts sir for this being the worst performance ever under his teaching of mine. It was so embarrassing that people expect so much from you and you fail so badly on their expectations.

If that was less, then came in Ishita.
“Remember your face when you didn’t rank first in class, when Ronak had just joined school. And what you upto dude? Have you gone nuts.” And when girls start speaking, all comma’s and full stops are jumped over and she continued for a while.

That was the morning session of the three-session day. Later in the school, the teachers started off criticizing every student after the other.
‘Such a poor performance.’
‘I have never seen such an academically poor class.’
‘You are the cream students of the school and this is how you perform.’

It was like a mental torture, worse than the third degree torture in Mumbai jails.

But one of the issues pending was my resignation from the school cricket team. Discussion on that was still pending. And I knew facing Mr.Sinhal, the sports in-charge will surely be a difficult task.

The talk did happen, but much before I expected it to happen. He called me in his cabin.

“Nikhil. I spoke to your teachers and some friends after I received your message. I know, being in 12th studies needs to be your priority but then I have seen the passion in you for cricket and it’s a sports you surely can pursue.”

I knew this would happen. I was spoilt for a choice. Studies or cricket? I stood their silent for a while.

“Its now or never. You have to decide now. Many tournaments are currently lined up. Its time to make it big. It will be the biggest mistake to quit, especially when you are leading in the chase towards the top. But then the decision is all yours. I can’t force anything upon you. You take a call. And I shall respect your decision.”

I had a fair idea of the events lined up and the chances of hitting it to the top if I continued with it. Just when I was ready to take in the chance, the events of the day before came flashing in to my mind and I had to continue into a longer thinking break. I was confused, but a decision was pending. I needed some time.

“Sir, I have a small request. I need some time.”

“In sports time is all important. I need your decision by the end of the day. No-one would be as happy as I would if you take back your resignation, and no-one would be as supportive as me if you stick to your decision. Rest I leave it to you. You are smart enough to decide what’s good and what’s not. Have a nice day.”

I left the room, in a weird state of mind, totally unaware of the people walking up and down the corridor around me. They might consider me to have gone crazy, but I myself didn’t know what exactly was I upto.

I tried to look out for Ranbir, but he was in midst of an inter-school football match, so that did not work out. The next option was Ishaan.

He was in the auditorium practicing for a play to be performed a few days from now, for some dignitaries coming down to school. But he wasn’t accessible either, as he was inside the hall, and for so-called security reasons, other students like me were not allowed inside. I tried hard to persuade the security guard to let me in, but he was too stubborn to let me go. My all attempts failed to convince him of the urgency of the situation. At one point of time, I felt like knocking him down and enter. He was just adding fuel to my frustration fire.

I quietly walked to the canteen and settled down for a cup of coffee, and was thinking of the decision I had to take. I wanted to continue with my passion, as without it, I would be half dead. But then, if I continued, the taunts at home of spoiling my so-called bright future and studies would begun to deteriorate would commence once again.

But then don’t we have a choice to decide, what we want to do? Why are we always governed my others dreams and aspirations? Do our dreams and aspirations have no value? Or do we also force them upon someone else in the future and live though them?

More than the decision-making thoughts, these questions began to haunt my mind. I was feeling irritated and even agitated to an extent.

And just when you are in a dilemma, in midst of a storm, you either face a survivor or you face the end. A guy, somewhat of my age only, was in the school uniform, so basically a fellow student came and sat next to me, and that’s not all, he even did kick of the conversation,

“Hey, how come Mr. Popular is alone today?”

“I am sorry, but I don’t know you.”

“I am Manish. Manish Singhania.”

I have indeed heard that name, but just couldn’t recollect where.

“I just met Mr. Sinhal, and he told me about your case. I had heard about you and your skills on field and was interested in meeting you since long, but never got the chance. Today was a lucky day indeed.”

“I am sorry, but I am actually finding it difficult to recollect your name.”

He was talking about something else, and I asked him something else, heights of confusion state, must say.

“It cannot be anyone other that Sinhal Sir, himself from whom you would have heard about me. Ex-cricket captain of the school, Best Player for three years in a row, Best Captain for two years in a row, National Player Award winner, Cricketer of the Year Award recipient. I am the same Manish Singhania.”

“Exactly. It’s an honour to meet you. You are like a living cricket legend in school. You were the first to bring the Under 19 Dubai Cup to an Indian school campus. I am so sorry for not recognizing you. Actually I am in a very bad state of mind and so such mistakes do happen.”

“Relax dude. Its fine. An its your mental dilemma that brings me here.”

“But wait a minute, can you please tell me, what prompted you to quit cricket at the peak of your career?”

“I was in the same boat in which you are sailing right now. Under parental pressure I quit cricket to improve upon my academics. And that’s the question you are facing right now, whose answer is still unknown to you, am I right?”

“Yeah. But the news that came out was you had to quit because of an injury. So was that a false rumour?”

“Very much. It was fabricated to be presentable to the outside world, as it wouldn’t have been accepted in the orignal state. Very few people know the truth, the truth which even I find it difficult to face at times.”

“But then, couldn’t you have had continued cricket, since the entire city knew you and your strength.”

“The inside reality is known to just a couple, and I tell you, so as you can take the right decision. My mom had died and for the sake of my younger sister, and me, dad got married once again. And came in the typical step-mother. Though she was very caring about my sister, she somewhat had some issues with me. She would emotionally blackmail me saying that, ‘Just because I am your stepmother you don’t listen to me and don’t study. The world will think that I have been a bad mother’, and on. So, I had to finally call it quits in 10th when I reached my saturation point at home. It was a forced decision, and not my personal one.”

“So, basically haven’t you thought of a comeback?”

“That’s not possible dude. After quitting cricket, things got worse with studies. Zero concentration as I was always deviated towards the game. At the end of the year, all this drama made me really weak, mentally and emotionally. I still feel for the game, but the passion is hidden at a place, difficult to find it back.”
I could see water droplets accumulating in his eyes. But he was strong enough a sportsman to control them.

“So, what do you expect from me?”

“Don’t quit the sport. It’s your life. If no cricket, you will have no value buddy. Studies will be affected more that what it currently is.”

“But the family pressures.”

“Reassure them. Get their confidence in your favour, that you will not neglect your studies. They will understand. I failed at that point. I just don’t want history to repeat itself. That’s the reason I am here, sitting next to you. I don’t want you to repeat the mistake I had made.”

“You have made my day, buddy. Thanks a lot.”

The day was over, so after giving him a quick hug, I left to meet Mr. Sinhal.

“Sir, just wanted to tell you, that I continue and take my resignation back. Thanks sir, bye good night.”


Just when I was running out of the building, I bumped into Ranbir.

“Nikhil, Mr. Shukla told me that you were looking for me, anything urgent.”

And then comes in Ishaan from behind.

“Nikhil, the security guard was like you wanted to see me urgently, anything wrong.”

I started laughing like crazy, and they stood there puzzled.
“Guys I have taken a decision, will tell you people in the bus, lets go.”

...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Life Car - Part 15

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.






Well, who would ever think that shocks and surprises are meant to be continued for at least a day after they start. Confused?

Well after that awesome party last night and the feeling of not being single anymore had just begin to get below my throat when some other news was just ready to push all that out with a huge gush. It was time for results.

Results of what? Well, of the exam I had written a month before the cricket tournament. Wasn’t that supposed to be ages back? For we students yes, but for teachers & parents it was just a month or two back.

On top of that they even expect us to remember what mistakes we had made and where had we gone wrong. Who will make them understand that we cannot use more than 2% of our brain. It’s illegal to use more than that. That’s why Einstein was very often considered an idiot.

And yes these are just tactics to defend the blunder in exams I had committed a few ages or actually months ago. 63% on the report card. It was touted to be the next breaking news on television, beating the Sensex lows. The lowest in the history of Nikhil’s life. ‘Drops below 80% for the first time ever.’

And then I surely had some company. Ranbir was no better at 60%, well but Ishaan was the best of us three at 75%. How the heck did he manage that? Was the paper leaked to him? Naah, not possible, before he would read a question, I would have had a copy of it. So that option was invalid.

And just I was trying to look out for the viable options, Abhisek came running from behind to the proffesor. Sir, you gave me one mark less here, sir half mark here, sir some more here please, sir this is right, sir this answer is in the text book, sir the other sir gave this right. What the heck? Is he gone crazy? Actually he was smart, he increased almost seven marks after that bargaining session.

I was stunned. I had never seen something like this in my earlier school. How can you even ask the teacher to increase marks at random?

Once one of my friends had tried to request the teacher to increase two marks not given in a question, genuinely, and she threw the paper right on her face.

And then began the discussion on who was first and second and so on. Who leads whom and who’s trailing. I was totally out of the race. Well I did stop caring and bothering about it. I overheard that Sajith and Abhishek were joint first.

Sajith was absent and Abhishek wasn’t looking so happy though he was first. The last was English lecture. We had asked the teacher to give us a free period and she willingly agreed. And then Abhishek goes to mam and is like, there is a mistake in correction of Sajith’s paper, he deserves a mark less. I was stunned, like how could he do this.

That’s when someone shouted from behind,
“Just because he did not want to share the top position with anyone.”

Was he being selfish and mean? Now that was surely questionable and debatable. Maybe what he did was morally wrong but then he wasn’t wrong when you look at the situation from his point of view. Now who wouldn’t want to stand first in the class, and that also sole holder of that position.

Well, what’s the use of thinking about this, anyways things will not change and will remain the same, ‘Nerds will be nerds.’

But loads more verbal attacks awaited me at home. Mom was at her best.
“63%. I would always tell everyone that you have the potential to top in boards this time. With 63% you think you will even come in top rankers list.”

And this was just the start. She literally made me recollect my marks of mast 5-6 years and none of them below 80%. And then she was like, stop this and that, study for so many hours, you have stopped taking studies seriously, you have become careless, you just don’t care for me and the list was just going on.

At the end of it I was so frustrated and angered by the entire lecture, that I announced,
“Since past 3years you have got problem with cricket. I will leave it. Happy?”

Said that I ran to my room and bang, jumped on my bed, head down. I was already shocked with my result and Mom had already forced me to cross my saturation point. Thinking about studies and some other random stuff, I just didn’t realize when did I fall asleep.




I woke up a couple of hours later. By then Ishaan and Ranbir had invaded into my room.
My anger with the morning debate was far from over,

“What are you two doing here?”

Ishaan signaling Ranbir not to speak, himself spoke,
“Get ready in 10minutes and we are off for dinner.”

“I am in no mood guys, some other day.”

“Stop acting like a spoil sport and change quickly. We are getting late.” added in Ranbir.

“So why don’t you both leave. I am not interested in coming with you guys.”

And then Di steps in,
“Stop being rude to them. Don’t vent out Mom’s anger on them. They have been waiting for more than an hour.”
“Di, you please stay out. I am not in a mood to speak to anyone. Just leave me alone.”

Ishaan quietly pulled Ranbir out of the room and even Di left.

I was not going to calm down soon. In Di’s words, I was fuming in anger.


And then people generally take hasty decisions in a hurry and anger and I did the same.
I messaged Ansh, the cricket team captain and my sports sir, that ‘I quit cricket and would not represent the school in any future matches. Strictly no negotiations.’

In that same mood, I went to Mom, and boasted of the message to her,

“That’s it. Now I have quit cricket. You want me to leave anything now.”
She didn’t reply and so I just banged out of the room, and this time around not to my room, but to my favorite corner of the creek.



My eyes were dry post the crying session and I was sitting there alone, with not a living soul around, but just me, myself and the sky and water.


Staring at the sky, for the first time ever, I wasn’t speaking to myself. I just did not understand what to do. I wasn’t mentally stable to even face myself.


And just when you stop thinking and expecting anything from yourself in life, surprises prop up.

“Want some french fries dude?”

“Ishaan. You will never improve.”

“I am your friend after all.”

And then even Ranbir jumped in,
“Even I am their.”

“Anyone left?”, I added in.

And then Ishita, Sneha, Bhavika and Sania came out of nowhere.

I was just wondering where was Miloni, and came in a message from her,
“FAITH Makes all things possible, hope makes all things work & love makes all things beautiful. May you have all of them. Love you Jaan.”

Ishita started off,
“We are friends, we need to keep it. How could you even think that we will leave you alone when you need us.”

This line took me back to the times when I was leaving Mumbai for Dubai, and she was in hospital.

“Arey… eat those fries or pass it on to me.”, Bhavika spoke in.
And everyone broke into a laughter.

When the happiness surrounds you, who says sadness creeps in. Happiness has no bounds and ends, it just keep rising.

The Pizza Hut guy came in and delivered oven fresh pizza’s.

My mouth was watering. I just love pizza’s, and these people just made my day.

“Margarita pizza. Awesome guys, whose selection was this?”

Ishaan replied,
“Any doubt.”

“Well, apart from Ishita no-one really knows my taste, so it got to be her.”

Ishita in an acting angry tone, “Then why did you ask?”

With pizza in my mouth, I went and hugged her.

This night was memorable. These people literally made me forget everything that happened earlier in the day. It lay there in the backburner of my mind, though the consequences of it were yet to be faced by me in the near future.

The night wasn’t over yet. It had just begun. After having a feast, we went on a walk. We walked as if there was no end to the road. Over the bridge to the other side of the creek. The night view of the creek and buildings sidelining it made it a not to be missed scene.

Life wasn’t so dull if I actually think about it, though it wasn’t in the best shape also. After the awesome India trip, came in the tragedy as a speed breaker and the results as the police officer. Gradually my life car moved from the fast lane to the slow line, but luckily the red signal was yet to come. But with friends like these, I am sure there is nothing called red signal in my life. They pep up your mood whenever and wherever it is needed.



... to be continued...

Best Buddies - The last Singlet of the Triplet - Part 14

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.




Ranbir was back to Dubai and so was Ishaan. Even Ishita had landed in Dubai just a few hours back. So basically I was expecting life to hit normalcy soon and things to be back on track.

The first thing that Ranbir did after landing was to come to my place, and was taken by shock when he found out that I was almost hospitalized for low blood pressure, just because he broke the news of Ronak’s suicide to me. He then vowed never to break such news over the phone ever again.

Well, even I promised myself never to leave my friends, come what may. Stand by them at all times and remain friends forever. Its actually tests like these that help us realize what friendship means, and then people like Ishita, Ronak, Ranbir & Ishaan who add value to it. Still, I continued to consider myself a bad friend, no matter how much Sneha did try convincing me that I was a really good friend.

But things had changed a lot over the past week or so. Somehow Sneha dominated my thoughts, though totally as a friend and nothing more than that.

For instance, a huge party was thrown to mark the friendship day & celebrate the win of Ishaan and gang. I was initially hesitant to go, but somehow Sneha convinced me to go, just for the sake of my friends and for Ishaan, though Ranbir and Ishaan’s persuasion efforts failed earlier.

I was over the Ronak incident by now. And then suddenly Sneha arouse my so called hidden crush on Ishita. That also to such an extent that she even asked me to ask her out, before the friendship day bash, and go there as a couple.

Totally brainwashed by her, I totally acted as per her directions and in full enthusiasm without any normal consciousness asked her out, just for the party happening that night. She was taken aback, as she didn’t expect all this all of a sudden. And then Miss Diplomat very politely declined my proposal.

There the first girl I ever ask out rejects me. But somehow I didn’t feel so dejected. I took it very much sportingly as if nothing had actually happened. In real terms, somewhere deep inside my heart I was hurt; it’s just that I did not feel so. In real terms, I seriously don't think I had a crush on her. How can I?, she is such a sweet buddy, and thats about it.

Sneha convinced Ishita’s action by saying that probably she wasn’t ready for it, as I approached her without any signal of my having feelings for her. Girl’s are really smart at backing their counterparts very effectively, no matter if they have never met, or to whatever extent wrong they would be.


So I pulled myself together and got ready for the party. Di was like as if I was dressed up to see a girl or probably for my own marriage. And according to Sneha, the formals made my look like the most suited bridegroom of the day.

It was actually a bit embarrassing to be praised as a would be husband, but indeed I was flattered.

I was just outside the party hall waiting for Sneha, as we had decided to go together for the day. Actually Ranbir was gonna come with Sania & Ishaan with Bhavika, so, basically I just didn’t feel like going alone. It was a bit weird to go with a friend, but she had no issues, then why would I have.

Just then Miloni came along, alone. We spoke casually for a few minutes and then suddenly she goes like,

“Will you be my date tonight?”

I was just going to inform her that I have already a date for myself, when Sneha signaled from behind to go on with her. Somehow I was lost of thoughts so just went along with Miloni. Sneha knew about Miloni and my hidden infatuation towards her.

Somehow I was really pepped up, pairing up with Miloni that night. I danced like crazy that night. I had never enjoyed a party so much. Ishita, Ranbir and Ishaan were shocked to see me burning the dance floor with Miloni. It was a hell of a night.

Later on, after the party all of us went to the beach, as it was pretty close by and going back home was totally out of the question.

I was actually carrying out with Miloni, and the best part about it was that I myself was not informed about it.

Ishita, Ranbir & Ishaan were so dead sure that Miloni was just more than a date, they were even ready to bet on it, and were not at all ready to get off the stand they had taken. Somehow, after a really long deliberation by Sneha and intervention by Miloni, they agreed to the fact that I am still officially single, since birth.

It was a clear dark sky with the moon illuminated by the sun’s light. A perfect romantic night out. Miloni just then untied her hair, and she was looking gorgeous like never before in that navy blue gown.

Ranbir and Ishaan were just waiting for a chance.

“Somebody is in love.”, and soon Ishita, Bhavika, Sania and to my surprise even Sneha joined in.

I was out of words to defend myself again.

After a while, the girls were sitting together and discussing their usual stuff, and we guys were just staring at them.

Then suddenly out of nowhere, Ranbir got a rose and pushed it into my hand. And almost threw me towards the girls. I was really confused of what was going on around me.

There, Sania, Ishita, Miloni, Sneha & Bhavika, all stood in a semi-circle, with me at the center, and Ishaan & Ranbir behind me, kicking me on my back every few seconds to speak something.

And if all these sudden happenings were less, Sania pulled Ishita aside, and so did Bhavika pull Sneha. I guess they were indicated by Ranbir & Ishaan to do so.

There with the vast sea stretching behind us, the dark sky on top and the scintillating moon right over Miloni’s head, me kneeling down with the rose on one hand, and her hand on the other, I finally opened my mouth,

“Will the world’s most beautiful girl I have ever met, accept me as her boyfriend”

There was pin drop silence. The world around us as if came to a still.

“Yes.”, was all that she said.

And before even I stood up, rose petals came showering upon the two of us.

I had just given up the single tag, and these people were already as if in a mood to get the two of us married.

Ranbir and Ishaan congratulating me with the words,
“Enter the zone at your own risk.”

After all this, we all finally sat down by the seaside, exploiting the time and weather to its fullest extent.

Ishita began with the talks for the night,

“We dedicate this night to the newly weds, I mean the newly committed couple, Nikhil & Miloni. As the host for this midnight talk, my first question to the two of you, how did you people meet?”

I had just opened my mouth to reply, when Miloni started off, so I obviously had to shut up.

“Well, he was on his way to Kolkatta for the cricket tournament, and I was going there for a wedding. After some technical snag, my seat was shifted next to his. His face was worth seeing when I was seated next to him.”

But as far as I remember, I was sleeping. But she continued.

“His mouth was wide open. And what a dumbo he was, he did not even bother asking my name or anything. I only had to start the conversation. That’s how we met for the first time.”

Ishita then continued,
“That is true Nikhil style. Now it’s the turn of Bhavika & Ishaan. How did you people meet up?”

Is it that girls normally dominate in a relationship? I was literally sensing that. Here also, it was Bhavika who replied and not Ishaan,

“Well, we met a cousins wedding. He was from the groom’s side and I was from the bride’s. There is this ritual of hiding the groom’s shoes. So he was responsible for hiding them. He was looking really nice that day, probably the only time till date. I was told to get the shoes from him. I casually asked him for the shoes and he willingly gave them to me, realizing his blunder only after I left. After the wedding we met, and hit off really well. People already had started calling us a cute couple and they were like, how about two weddings today. And that’s how we are together today.”

Now, she went a step ahead of Miloni. It was actually an attempt to prove, their guy is better than that of others. And here, me and Ishaan scratching our heads, and thinking what was Sania going to come up with.

Ishita continued,
“So cute of Ishaan. Now, the third couple of the lot, Sania & Ranbir.”

And as expected, Sania spoke first,
“Jaanu, you want to tell or shall I.”, though it was a lovely way to ask, her eyes said it all, that you better reply in the negative.

Ranbir goes like, “Jaan, you shouldn’t even be asking, carry on.”

“Well, I was Nikhil’s date for the party at Spellbirds. There even Ranbir & Ishaan were present with their dates. Though I had come with Nikhil, I was more engrossed in a conversation with Ranbir. He was really a smart guy. We remained in touch for a while and then he asked me out before leaving for Bangalore, last month. Since then it’s been a great time.”

Well, frankly speaking that was really nice & sweet and the least exaggerating of the three and closer to reality. Hats off to Sania.


So basically that was all for one of the most memorable days of my life, as we took a cab back home, I dropped Miloni at her place, though the only thing missing that night was the goodnight kiss, probably some other day, well night.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - Realising the importance - Part 13

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.





The journey back to Dubai was pretty smooth, basically like no hiccups during the travel. In the almost three hours flight, most of my time was spent smiling at the round of events happening in almost the last 2-3weeks.

The Jai-Ranbir friendship break up mystery, and leaving for Kolkatta just before the reality was going to be disclosed, then getting lost in the city, breaking the three instructions, losing the finals, back to Mumbai after months, then to Delhi, Ronak’s miserable life, Ranbir’s taunt, but to end on a happy note, Ishaan’s birthday.

Like its been said in popular movies, in the end, all’s always well, and if it’s not, then the movie is still left.

Post reaching Dubai, Mom had given me strict instructions to get back to the boards and make me realize that I was in 12th, the year that can make or break my life. My sports sir was like since this is your last year, prove your cricketing skills. And if this was less, Di goes like; in the last year in school also you will remain single.

My brain was already spinning with all this thoughts, when the movie of my life had another major turn awaiting me.

I was alone at home, and all of a sudden Ranbir called up.

“Hey, Nikhil, how was the flight back. Enjoyed with the airhostess on flight?”

“You got to be kidding dude. They were all those aunty types.”

“By the way, I wanted to give you some news.”

“Don’t tell me you are not coming back to Dubai soon. I will shoot you.”

“Dude, their is something more serious to talk about.”

I was feeling rather scared.

“What’s about it? Tell me.”

“Nikhil.”, and after an abnormally long pause, “Ronak committed suicide.”

“What?”
I had got the shock of my life. I was just not able to digest the news. And hundreds of questions like, why, how, when did all this happen came splashing into my brain.

“When did all this happen. And any idea why did he do so?”, I some how picked up myself and the courage to ask Ranbir this. I was actually in totters.


“The next day after you left, some policemen went to Ronak’s house for some investigation related purpose. That’s when they revealed the entire happening. Just a few days before the accident some guys tried misbehaving with Sejal and Ronak had called in the cops and got them arrested. After their release, they were seeking revenge. That day, after Ronak dropped Sejal, these guys followed her with acid in their hand. She was trying to run away from them, and accidentally stepped on the road, when the speeding car, threw her away.”

I was already in shatters, after hear about Ronak’s suicide, and this just made matters worse. I was gradually losing control over myself.

Ranbir continued, unaware of my mental status.
“Ronak’s parents had decided not to tell Ronak the truth, but he had overheard the entire conversation. He locked himself into his room. When he did not open the room for several hours, his Mom got worried and they broke the door. But, then it was already to late. Ronak’s had etched out Sejal on his hand, which also cut his nerves. There was blood all over the floor, and Ronak was no more.”

I guess, my brain and heart had reached their saturation point.

I just shouted,
“He killed himself, because of me.”, and then slammed the phone down.

Actually the phone slipped of my hand, I had fainted for the first time in my life.

I don’t even faintly remember, but after a few hours when I got back to my senses, around 10 people surrounded me. Mom was crying, Dad was tensed, and Di expressionless.

The Doctor then said that I was fine now and listed down a few medicines.

I knew I had loads of questions to answer, I could actually see them on their faces. A couple of my aunts and neighbors also filled in my room. All staring at me, and me turning my head from left to right just like in a tennis match with no clue what’s happening and like a typical saas-bahu serial, what’s going to happen next mystery.

Thanks to Di, they all left the room soon and I felt a bit relaxed. Actually for a while I did forgot about Ronak’s suicide till Di, closed the room and asked me,

“What’s wrong Nikhil? Your blood pressure was really low. How could you be so careless.”

And then I came face to face with reality, Ronak was no more.

I told Di in brief about everything from what Monica told me, to what Ranbir did.

She anyways knew Ronak and was also taken aback and couldn’t come to terms with what happened.

But then I somehow began to blame myself for his life. If only I had not left him alone in these times, maybe he would not have taken such an extreme step.

I was actually being a too harsh on myself and hit myself a couple of times till Di stopped me. I began crying like a small baby and slept on her laps for a while.


It actually took me a few days to get back to a bit of normalcy and that also just because I began moving out a bit. For the initial days I was totally under house arrest.

But it was a totally different me. Hundred percent silence, no interest on what’s happening around me and at times I wouldn’t even know that some person is next to me. I was lost in my own world.

In the mean time I backed out from a forthcoming Cricket tourney also, and that surely didn’t go down well with the team and officials, thinking that I was being really unprofessional and not being sporty. But surely things were not in my hand and not at all under my control.

I was given strict instructions by the doctor to not to be carried away emotionally as that could actually do a lot of damage to my brain. And with those instructions Mom made life all the more difficult for me, with one hundred and one restrictions imposed upon me.

During these times, I did miss Ishaan and Ranbir a lot. Ishita also was not in town. The loneliness actually began to eat me and failing to realize that this is actually what Ronak had gone through. Every few minutes I could see the helpless face of Ronak in front of me.

Walking alone to tuitions and back with no one to speak to. I was gradually being isolated as I surely was not in any mood to make any new friends whom I could spend some time with. It was really difficult for me to spend every minute as Mom put even a restriction on cricket, so catching up with teammates was also out of question.

Life was never so bad. I somehow mentally balanced myself as the week passed by and understood the trauma that Ronak would have faced. Whatever happened, the untimely death of Ronak and to some extent even that Sejal did hurt.

All this actually did help me realize the importance of Ronak and his friendship in my life. He help a special place in my heart, which no one would ever be able to replace.

That’s when I met Sneha. She was Mom’s school friend’s daughter. They had come over for dinner and she was actually from my school. Basically that was the first day after Ronak’s death that I had smile, that’s what Mom felt, I rather not comment anything on that.

She was a good looking, decent and smart girl but somehow I was least interested. I just didn’t bother about who she was. The most annoying part was when Mom goes like, ‘Why don’t the two of you go on a walk to the creek.’

I was not even in a mood but Di forced me to go, and helplessly I did. But this was actually a turning point. I really felt better that day when I spoke to some one, and we actually were together for a couple of hours and I did speak my heart out. We went and sat at my favorite place and I really enjoyed the time spent. I did not even realize when did the time fly by, till Di called me up to come back soon.

I was really feeling lighter after the walk and conversation. Somehow it was nothing less than magic. It was a very different and refreshing feel that I was going through. Thanks to Sneha, for whatever she did.

The next days I totally spent in her company and she did help me realize that it wasn’t my entire fault after all for what Ronak faced though I actually convinced her that somewhere I could have stopped it. Sneha, I can say actually totally brainwashed my thinking process. She gave me a new perspective and approach to life and brought me back to reality from my dream world.

I enjoyed her company and got over Ronak and even missed Ishaan and Ranbir less frequently, as according to her, it was a time of transition in our friendship, so that I actually realize the actual value of my friends that I have always failed to realize. I stopped taking friendship for granted from then onwards.
A new Nikhil was in the making, rejuvenated and transformed.


...to be continued...

Best Buddies - The Birthday Gift - Part 12

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.


A long drive on the roads of Delhi, especially in the night is just indescribable. The clear dark sky, with stars twinkling and straight traffic free roads is just and added advantage.

Later on we all i.e. Ranbir, Ronak, Monica and me sat on the terrace of Ranbir’s house. Just then it struck Ranbir and me sort of at the same time that preparations for Ishaan’s surprise birthday party was yet to be made.

We sat there staring at the sky wishing if some idea could strike us soon. And then out of nowhere Monica jumped up and goes like,

“He is participating in Youth Cult Fest right?”

I staring at Ranbir, giving the expression like what’s wrong and then reply to her,

“Yes.”

“Your work is done guys. Your surprise will be planned. Give me time till tomorrow morning.”

Ranbir prompted in,

“What you thinking to do?”

“Guys just leave it to me. The entire plan will be sketched and told to you in the morning. Can we go to sleep now, Please.”

“So you told that just so that you could go to sleep. How selfish?”

“Shut up Ranbir. Leave it to me. Goodnight Guys.”

Monica and Ronak got up and went to sleep downstairs.

I and Ranbir stayed up for a while, trying to enjoy the last few days in Delhi and the vacation.

But the sadness of Ronak condition caught over my face. Somehow all the while, with the aim of giving support to Ronak I hid it, but couldn’t help it any further.

And if my situation was so difficult, then imagine how difficult it must have been to bring the smile on his face.

Ranbir saw it on my face and was like,

“Nikhil, whom do you love the most, at present.”

Going into a deep thought. What was that supposed to mean? On second thoughts, I love my family, friends, couldn’t think of anything else.

“Common answer Nikhil. Be specific, and please don’t be a diplomat.”

That created all the more the trouble. Specifically, who?

“Don’t take so long. Lets put it this way. Who has always been your support and you always look upto whether you are sad or happy.”

“It got to be Di. She has actually been a support system for me many a times.”

“And how much have you missed her in the past few days.”

“Actually a lot at times but then things around me helped not to remember her a lot. I mean in Kolkatta the team was there and with a few I share a good rapport. And then you have been here in Delhi all the while so hardly I remember her.”

“That’s what the whole point is. You have friends all over you so you don’t miss the person you love the most and on top you know that you will be with her in a few days from now.”

Ranbir was talking more than just common sense. He was not just the usual himself.

“Imagine his situation. New to Delhi, hardly made any friends, no family support, met Sejal, and she gave him the life he missed all the while. More than a girlfriend he saw a friend in her.”

This statement actually hurt me. I mean I have never been able to realize that there are some people who will always need you, no matter however far you are away from them. They see you as a lifelong friend and you just don’t tend to realize the truth, and when you realize its to late as that person feels that you are not going to be back and they decide to move ahead and then you end up staying there hoping for things to turn in your favor, repenting your earlier action.

“And accept it or not. He missed your entire group of Mumbai. You people were his lifeline. And he couldn’t see anyone taking your place in Delhi and that’s what made him lonely. His parents are working and spent really less time with him and even they couldn’t keep their married life happy. So the best moments of his life have been with you people. You considered him your best friend. Dude, he was totally dependent on you.”

He was hitting out so badly to me. I mean I just couldn’t stand all this any longer.

“I am not sure if you noticed or not, but his face did brighten up on seeing you, but just he couldn’t express it, as he was in a deep shock already.”

He was right. I seriously didn’t notice all that. How could I be such a fool? It’s said that if you listen to your heart carefully then you will always hear the voice of your near and dear one’s. Probably I failed to hear myself.

“Sorry if you felt bad, but that’s the truth buddy. The earlier you accept it, the better for you. Anyways me off to sleep. I know you will not be able to sleep tonight, but if you feel like talking to someone, you can always come to me. And don’t bother to think that did Ranbir say all that.”

Just when he was walking downstairs he goes like,

“By the way, I didn’t find a good time to tell you, but I am dating Sania. Details later on. Goodnight.”

For a minute, I was shocked, but then I had others thinks to ponder over, so I somehow postponed the thinking on this topic for an indefinite period.

It actually took me a while to get over all the attacking words of Ranbir. But then actually he wasn’t wrong.

I have known Ronak for quite a lot of a time now. But somehow he was acting strange and a lot changed. He was not the same guy I was a friend with.

Then actually putting the puzzle pieces of Ranbir’s words together, I realized the mistake of my life. I had left Ishita alone when she needed me the most, and then Ronak.

I descended down the stairs into Ronak’s room. I was quite sure he would be awake.

I went and sat next to him, where he was sleeping. But I was wrong. He was sleeping soundly and as per what Monica had mentioned it’s been time that he would be sleeping so well.

I sat next to him for a while, remembering the time we spent together. The school life was way to good to be forgotten and the time spent is just unforgettable.

I remembered the incident, when we are playing around in the science lab and a glass broke and smoke was going up the air and the fear on our faces. Inspite of knowing that we were not at fault we were so scared that we sat in our class for the entire day without uttering a word. Slowly and gradually the incidents just came flashing by and me lost in them.

It was really late so then I decided to go to bed. Just when I stood up, came in these words from Ronak,

“Nikhil. You will leave without even saying a word.”

I was stunned. He was actually awake.

“Ronak, its just that you were sleeping peacefully so just didn’t feel like waking you up.”

“Remember when you came to my place first time for a stay over and when I was so badly in need of sleep and you people would not even let me close my eyes.”

“I very well remember. You wanted to sleep because next day you had your first date.”

“Shut up. It was nothing like that.”

We started discussing all those moments, laughing at those incidents and time went passing by and we didn’t even realize when did we time pass by and we dosed off.

The next morning I woke up with the loud noise of Monica.

“Nikhiiiiiiiil. Ranbiiiiiiiiiiiir. Where are you guys?”, shouting at the top of her voice.

I woke up with a sprang and rushed out.

Even Ranbir came running in.

“What’s wrong Monica?”, I asked.

“You people are not even concerned that tomorrow is your friends birthday.”

“Ohh. Yeah. You said you are planning to do something. What’s the plan? Atleast tell us now.”

“Fine listen.”

“Tomorrow is the finals of the Youth Cult Fest at the Delhi National School. Vipul, my friend is one of the organizers at the event. So he has just told me that, The Indian School from Dubai has qualified for the final round.”

“That’s great news. Finals on his birthday.”

“The Trophy will be a perfect gift for him, I guess.” added in Ranbir.

“You are right.”

“Can I please continue with the plan?”, I and Ranbir nodded in the affirmative.

“It’s highly likely that they will be practicing past midnight tonight as the final show needs to be put up tomorrow afternoon. So basically that would be the best time to give him a break of some time and get in his birthday in style.”

“She is right.” I prompted in, although it was uncalled for.

“But frankly speaking he would not even prefer wasting a minute on all this. This trophy and event is really close to his heart.” Came in Ranbir’s comments.

“Guys relax. Alls set. At around 11p.m. tonight, Vipul has called in a meeting with the school coordinators to discuss the final line of events. That’s when through special permission you people enter the school premises. You have just less than an hour to decorate and put things in order, and all this without disturbing the school atmosphere, practice sessions and schedules. It’s a big risk sort off on Vipul’s head.”

“But then how do we manage all?” asked Ranbir.

“”See, the meeting gets over at 15 minutes to twelve. And it takes almost the same time to reach the main hall where your school would be practicing. Some people from the organizing school will be there to help you and update you with help from Vipul. And actually you will not even need to do anything. Vipul will try and have arranged a majority of the work internally already before your arrival. You just need to spring in the surprise at 12.”

The plan was really well made. But the only concern was about the finals the next day. I had lost the final cricket match and so had Ranbir lost the final football match. Will he win or lose in the finals? It was really weird to think about it and a sudden gush of blood flowing through my body made me feel all the more scared.



That night everything was so well formulated that things happened the way they were supposed to even before we thought of an alternative. Ranbir and I were just waiting to spring upon the surprise on Ishaan.

Ronak also joined in on my pressure, as I thought it would be a good change for him.

The last fifteen minutes before twelve were those when we just couldn’t control our emotions and that’s when we were signaled that Ishaan was on his way to the hall. The entire hall had been decorated and the practice had been halted for the next half an hour.

Ishaan came in earlier than expected, in short, before twelve. This was something not in our hands so we had to change the idea a bit at the last minute.

We sent Shaina, the assistant co-ordinator out to stop him still twelve. But this guy just wouldn’t stop.

“How come the practice has stopped?”

“Ishaan, we had a scheduled break at this time, if you forgot.”

“Fine, just come along with me, we need to decide on certain things.”, and with that even before poor Shaina could do anything, Ishaan pushed into the room.

Luckily the hours hand just slid under the minute’s hand, it was twelve. He switched on the lights and turned back.

Ranbir and I came running in with the entire team singing the Happy Birthday music in the background. He was surely astonished at what he was seeing.

After a round of wishes and hugs and gifts, and the usual cake cutting ceremony we sat down at a corner for a cup of coffee.

“How the hell did you guys land up here?”

“Indian Domestic airlines have really good coverage.”, came in Ranbir’s reply.

“Ya right. Very funny. By the way guys, guess what, we have reached the finals and it happens in a few hours from now, I am really excited and nervous at the same time.”

Hats of to Ishaan. He didn’t even bother about his Eighteenth birthday. Probably if it was not for us, then he wouldn’t have even celebrated it. He deserves a pat on his back. I haven’t seen a guy with so much sincerity and dedication to work.

“By the way, what happened to your tournaments.”

And as if I had taken a silent vow, Ranbir replied,

“We both lost in the finals.”

Now, that surely wasn’t encouraging. The smile on Ishaan’s face gradually faded away.

I guess the feeling that ‘what if even I lost the finals like them’ crossed his mind.

He took leave from us, but asked us to stay back, and watch them rehearse and suggest points of improvements from the audience point of view.

He was working really hard to grab that trophy the next day.



The event started off with a bang of performances followed by the presentation of the acts of the two final teams. They were said to be on a head on clash right from the start till the just concluded last set of events.

I must admit that the opponent had an upper hand in terms of the over all performance. They had put up a really impressive act beyond imagination. But my gut feeling supported my school and Ishaan. And also, though over all they were a better performing side, they had a few glitches in their act that could cost them a lot of points and that could turn things in our favor. But frankly, ours was also out and out a really splendid put up.

The results were to be declared in just a few minutes and my heart beat rate was faster than normal. I had not got this feeling even while playing the finals a few days back in Kolkatta.

The three of us held our hands tight just when the results were to be announced.

“And the time has finally arrived to bring this event to a close. As it’s said all good things come to an end, and so the Youth Cult Fest is also over. But we make sure that it does end in style. A time that we remember by as the audience and surely the teams that clashed on this very stage. And then on this stage, I will declare the winner in a few minutes from now, and this very stage will be thrown open for the party for the winning team.”

Why do these hosts have this habit of exaggerating things beyond a limit? I just felt like snatching that card from his hands and declaring the winner.

“And not wasting any further time, I declare the winner. Well before that, any guesses?”

Why doesn’t this loser on earth understand that there is no time for guesses and I will faint of excitement if he doesn’t declare the winner now.

“Yes you are right. It is the team from overseas, The Indian School, Dubai.”

The three of us jumped together in joy, Ishaan hugged the two of us and ran to the stage with the rest of the team to put his hands on that trophy.

Finally we shall be taking the winners trophy home. And surely this was the best birthday gift, Ishaan could ever ask for.

We partied hard that night till late. And as the host had said, as all good things come to an end, I was going to leave Delhi the very next night.

I had earlier planned to delay the flight, just in case Ronak did not normalize soon, but all was well, so I was going to leave as per schedule.

Ronak was gradually reaching his normal best and recovering really fast from the incident.

Ranbir was going to spend some time with his relatives and then turn back to Dubai, while Ishaan had to attend a wedding in Delhi and then return back.

So basically I was going to be alone in Dubai for a while. Well, no issues I boarded the flight back to Dubai, happy, satisfied and after a really memorable trip from Kolkatta to Mumbai to Delhi.

Best Buddies - Expect the unexpected - Part 11

TO ALL NEW READERS, PLEASE READ FROM
Part - 1
TO KNOW WHATS HAPPENING IN THIS STORY.



Leaving behind friends in Mumbai, I headed to Delhi with those memories, which I will surely not forget for this lifetime.

After landing in Delhi I waited outside for almost and hour for this Mr. Late Lateef to come. Ranbir had promised me that he would be on time but as usual he was late.

And then I was just thinking what excuse would he be giving today. Traffic Jam or the airport enquiry had said that the flight has been delayed by an hour.

I was like he was surely going to have it badly from me this time. How much can you make a person wait?

Well, in this time just glancing around I saw a familiar face. It was I guess the same girl in the flight from Dubai to Kolkatta. I had actually forgotten her name.

Just when I almost reached her, she took a cab and headed off and that’s when her name struck my head, ‘Miloni’.

And then I turned around to be at the place where Ranbir had asked me to wait for him. Just then he came banging into me.

“Dude who were you running behind in that cab?”

“Which cab?”, and then before he asks me another,

“Ohh wait…that one. I will tell you that. But can you please tell me what stopped you from coming on time?”

“I actually landed a few hours back so went home and dozed off. And then the great alarm ditched me, so that’s why I got late. Sorry buddy.”

“Its okay. Anyway are you planning to just keep chatting here only or to take me home also.”

“Ohh…yeah…almost forgot. Come along the car’s parked on the other side.”

So after walking for almost 30minutes we found the car. I guess Ranbir was trying his best to get on my nerves.

And then when we had just reached half way through the airport to his home, the car broke down. My head was actually even spinning now with the turn of the events.

“So, how was you football finals dude. The trophy must be at home I guess.”

“The final was just awesome dude. It was the best match I have ever been a part of. We had two players injured in the midst when we were leading 2-0. Then after half time, their captain ended up with a Red Card. It was a superb match and an amazing experience. I so wished you people were their.”

“Dude. Who won?”

“The opponent team. 3-2.”
And I started laughing like crazy forgetting that I was pissed off with him a while back. I even forgot that I had just lost a finals and he was the captain of the losing side.

Instead of supporting him, I just couldn’t control myself. And he looked a bit embarrassed.

“Dude, Shut up. I was awarded the best sportsman of the tournament.”

“Sorry. I just couldn’t help it re. Congrats for that award, I will check out the trophy at home.”

The car was repaired and we drove back home. Ishaan’s birthday was the day after tomorrow so loads of planning and arrangements needed to be made.

A refreshing bath was followed by a heavy breakfast cum lunch. And I was so tired that without saying anything further I just dozed off.

Later on in the evening we decided to go and meet Ronak first and help us with the preparations.

And so smart of the two of us that being totally unaware of the city we just left off with the driver in search of his residence as if he was some rockstar and every second person in the city knew where he lived.

After driving around for almost and hour we reached the place where we had been atleast 10 times in the last 60minutes.

He stayed on the 10th floor. Just when we were entering the building the useless security guard was like, where do you want to go? He was going to call up to inform him that I was coming up.

He even called up, but luckily for us no one picked up at the other end. He was like Ronak is not there so come later on. We knew that arguing with him was of no use.

So we finally gave up and took the turn back, when a girl came in shouting,

“You are Nikhil right? Ronak’s friend.”

“Well. Yeah. But how do you know me?”

“Ronak keeps speaking about your group and how much fun you all had together”

“Ohh.. Where is he now?”

“Why you didn’t meet him. He must be at home only. I thought you people must have met him and then leaving.”

“No. Actually that security guy was like he is not at home.”

“He is crazy. The intercom system has some problem these days. Come lets go upstairs. He will be really happy to see you here. Have you told him that you are here?”

“No. Thought of directly dropping in and giving him a surprise.”

“Ahaan. That’s nice.”

So she took us up in the lift.

“I am sorry but your name please?” I asked. Now obviously I can’t call her Didiji.

“Ooops..sorry. I am Monica, I stay in this building only. Ronak’s neighbor.”

“Well. He is Ranbir, my friend.”

And then Ranbir kept her busy; our hero was at his flirting tactics.

I rang the bell, and Ronak opened the door.

And he was like obviously shocked to see me there.

“Nikhil. You in Delhi? What a pleasant surprise.”
But somehow there was a different face he was hiding behind that surprised, puzzled look of me being there.

Now that left me wondering, what was he actually upto?

Then Monica prompted in,
“That useless security guard had asked them to leave, just because of that useless intercom of our building. Luckily I recollected Nikhil’s face from the snaps you showed me of the two of you and got him up.”

“Ohh… That’s so sweet of you Monica.”

“Guys actually Mom isn’t at home so …what you people want to have?”

“Dude. First sit. Nikhil and you are meeting after so long. Talk to him for a while.”
“Fine. Miss Monica Madame. I will just get coke if you don’t mind.”

“Permitted.”

Ronak dashed off to the kitchen and Ranbir got a call, so he got busy with it.

I finally got the time to speak to Monica of the indifferent behavior of Ronak.

“Monica, what’s wrong with him? He has never been like this. So silent, that’s surely not the Ronak I have known for such a long time.”

“You haven’t been in touch with him for some time I guess. Do you know Sejal?”

“Yeah. Like duh. My cutesi bhabhijaan. I had seen pictures of them both and Ronak had told me a lot about her.”

“She’s no more.”

“What?” I was more shocked than Ronak was shocked on seeing me here.

“She died a few days back in a road accident.”

I was speechless.

“His parents are now at her home. Her parents are devastated. But somehow they don’t realize what Ronak is going through. They were in a relationship for more than a year and were deep in love. There wasn’t a day when they didn’t call each other. Even when they were angry, they would just call each other up and remain silent. Even both of their parents approved of their relationship. They were even planning to get them engaged on Ronak’s 18th birthday, a surprise for him, just so that they can officially go around. Ronak & Sejal had planned to meet up as usual for a weekend. After the movie Sejal was returning home when this mishap happened. A drunk truck driver. Ronak wasn’t informed. He kept calling her and her cell was off. She was cremated and he was not even aware about it. He kept waiting for her call. He didn’t even get to see her for the last time. When she didn’t call for a few days, on one of the rituals after her death he landed up at her home and saw the garland hanging on her photo and everyone crying. That’s when he realized what had happened.”

I was stunned at the turn of events. I could do nothing more than sympathize with Ronak. I just could not imagine myself in his place, leaving trying to visualize what he must be going through.

“When he came to know, he just left that place and locked himself in his room for 24hours. We all were scared and wished that he doesn’t take any wrong step. He stopped eating for some days and just started talking a bit yesterday.”

I had no words to speak.

“Have his parents tried speaking to him?”

“Everyone has tried their bit. But you know what I think. He needs to cry to let the thing out of his heart.”

“You mean he didn’t cry at all when he found out.”

“No he just became quiet since he found out. Not a tear from his eye. He doesn’t cry, doesn’t smile, and hardly talks. Remains alone the entire day in his room. His parents keep crying, as they can’t see their son this way. But then what can even Ronak do?”

I just stood up and went to the kitchen.

“Ronak, remember how we used to try cooking at our home with the recipe book whenever our mom’s used to go for their kitty parties.”

No reaction from him.

“Can’t even give a fake smile, Ronak. Still the same yaar, Mr. Original.” After a brief pause, “Monica told me everything.”

And the very next minute he hugs me and starts crying. Somehow it made me feel better because I knew that this would reduce the weight on his heart.

He continued to sob for almost an hour. But we didn’t even bother stopping him. I was still wondering how come he controlled himself from crying for the past so many days.

He was a really strong guy from within. I had seen this in school. But this side was something relatively knew for me.

And then once he stopped crying, Ranbir and Monica did the job of bringing the much-awaited smile on his face.

He was surely not at his normal best but according to what Monica said; he was behaving way better than before.
It felt really nice, that I could play a part in helping my buddy get over his sadness.

...to be continued...

PS. : WISHING ALL THE READERS AN AWESOME DIWALI AND A SESKI NEW YEAR.